Heartfelt Testimonials
“I cannot verbalize how thankful I am to be in this community.
We were new to Vancouver, BC and even Canada. We were also newbies as parents of autistic kids. As we navigated through everything, we were lucky enough to get invited to this community. The group is always open to sharing all kinds of information, resources and tips (from opening spot alert of a therapist, social stories templates, to how each of us handle challenging behavior of our kids), and provide mental support to those in need.
And the best thing for this community is that AFF organizes a variety of events for our kids. In each event, I can always feel how dedicated and selfless Sue and Camille are. Autism has a spectrum of kids with different needs, strengths and challenges and they plan activities in a way trying to best accommodate their different needs. From sending autistic friendly reminders before the activities to setting up sensory friendly areas in our playdates, you can feel every touch of the event is with love of our special yet sensitive kids.
This community embraces our kid and our family and forms an inclusive network, which we would be always grateful for.”
— Connie C.
“AFF is a community in your pocket. Whether it's a question related to navigating complex BC autism funding or recommendations for a specific issue, there's always someone available on the other end ready to help. I like to think of it as my mini autism Google with a heart. Through AFF, our family has developed lifelong friendships and a support system that truly understands the struggles of a neurodivergent family. The monthly meetups are more than just a safe place for our kids to socialize; they serve as a space where we share our successes and troubleshoot issues together. It's a place where we swap silly stories that only a neurodivergent parent would understand.”
— Fionna T.
“After getting a diagnosis for my son, I felt completely lost and alone. While it brought some relief to finally have answers, it also opened the door to a flood of questions, fears, and uncertainty. There was no clear direction, no roadmap, and no support system. As a first-time mom, I was overwhelmed trying to figure out how to help my son thrive.
Then I found the AFF community.
AFF didn’t just give me resources, it gave me connection. It gave me a space where I could speak openly about the fears and frustrations I had kept to myself. A place where I could vent without judgment, ask questions without shame, and hear the words I didn’t know I needed, “You are not alone.” Through AFF, I learned how to navigate this journey with more confidence. I found other parents who walked similar paths, who celebrated progress no matter how small, and who understood the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising a neurodivergent child. Also, the most healing parts have been the playdates and meeting other parents in person. It’s become a safe place for both of us, a space where my son can just be himself and I can connect, laugh, and talk with others who understand our journey. And it is so nice to finally find your people, those who share the same goal, to raise our children in a world that understands and accepts them.
To Camille and Sue, Thank you! Your heart, dedication, and tireless work in building this space has made such a difference in our lives. We are forever grateful!”
— Cindy R.
“It was really fortunate we could meet with your family during our toughest time in our lives. SOAR preschool and the playdates you always arranged saved us when we felt alone after H’s diagnosis. Thank you very much.”
— Kento T.
“AFF is a community where I feel my family has so much support. As a mother, I can connect with other parents to share information and ask questions. With AFF’s numerous events, my son always feels safe and comfortable. Watching Sue and Camille work so hard to build this community, I’m thankful that my family and I can be a part of it. Thank you!”
— Elaine V.
“AFF has been a true blessing for our family. From the moment we joined, we felt an immediate connection to the amazing families who truly understand this journey.
This group goes beyond just offering support. It's a place where you can ask questions, get REAL advice, and find helpful resources that can actually make a difference. But what truly sets AFF apart is how personal it feels.You’re building relationships with other parents, getting to know their wonderful children, and becoming part of a tight-knit community.
We always look forward to the play dates and outings! These events are thoughtfully planned so that all kids—no matter where they are on the spectrum—can have fun, explore, and just be themselves in a safe and welcoming space. It’s such a joy to see the kids laughing, playing, and connecting while the parents relax and support one another.
We’re so grateful to be part of this group, and we always recommend AFF to other families. It’s more than a support group—it’s like a family.”
— Jem M.
“As a member of Autism Family Friends, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other families who are navigating the unique challenges of raising a child with autism. This group has been a crucial support system, offering not only a sense of community but also understanding from those who truly empathize with our experiences. Sue and Camille have created a welcoming and inclusive environment where families can come together, share their stories, and find support. Through their well-organized AFF WhatsApp group, parent support coffee meetings and family hangouts, they’ve created a space where we can openly discuss the challenges and triumphs that come with autism and support one another in our journeys. The work Autism Family Friends does is invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for the connection they’ve helped bring to me and my family.”
— Elise B.